Of course, one potential problem with this theory is that it relies on the individual being able to remember the "count to ten" rule as a thick red mist descends upon him/her. If you have the composure the apply this rule, then your anger problems are probably not that severe in any case. If you are John Prescott, for example, then you may not remember to count to ten until you are mid-maul. At this point, counting to ten is inadvisable, as it may distract you from your attempts at freeing yourself from the ensuing brawl.

Naturally, the counting from one to ten is just a method of allowing a certain space of time to pass. If you are more comfortable counting from ten to one, by all means do. You can count from one to a in hexadecimal if it makes you happy.